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FreeState’s annual internal giving campaign raises more than $12,000 for two area organizations focused on area kids.

CoBank Group
Pictured from L to R: John Donner, CoBank, Jeanine Murphy, FreeState board president, Jenner Hinkle, Doxazo programs director, Abigail Stuart, Doxazo operations manager, Ryan Wynne, Doxazo executive director Steve Foss, FEC CEO.

There is power in numbers. FreeState Electric Cooperative’s 80 employees and nine trustees raised over $6,000 internally, matched by the cooperative’s primary lender, CoBank. The effort is part of an annual donation drive that assists local nonprofit organizations in the distribution cooperative’s nine-county service territory. 

CoBank’s Sharing Success grants were awarded to Douglas County CASA of Lawrence and Doxazo Ministries.

“Seven cooperative principles guide us, and one of those is a concern for community,” said CEO Steve Foss. “The CoBank matching grant has helped us make a difference in multiple communities for several years, and it is something our employees and board take great pride in.” 

Foss says the board of directors challenges the employees to raise money each year and that employees' generosity is just one aspect of the cooperative model. Since 2015 employees have raised more than $51,000 and have provided more than $101,000 in funding to area organizations. 

“As a cooperative, we are member-focused and vested in our communities and those we serve because our employees and board are members themselves,” added Foss.

Jeanine Murphy, board president, said this year’s selection process was more difficult than most years. 

“We had so many worthy applicants and groups and organizations that do outstanding work,” Murphy said. “Selecting these organizations does not diminish the work of other applicants. It just shows us how much need is out there.”

“We are so fortunate to live in an area where so many excellent organizations meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable.”

Douglas County CASA will continue its work recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to speak up for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse and neglect and await safe and permanent homes.

“The Douglas County CASA volunteers, staff, and board of directors greatly appreciate the generosity of FreeState Electric for this kind gift as well as CoBank for its matching contribution,” said Erick Vaughn, executive director.

“This grant is evidence of the generosity and desire of FreeState to support the needs of the communities it serves.”

casa
Pictured from L to R: John Donner, CoBank, Jeanine Murphy, FreeState board president, Sarah Hoadley, CASA development assistant, Erick Vaughn, CASA executive director, Steve Foss, FEC CEO.

The other recipient was Topeka-based Doxazo Ministries.

“Doxazo Ministries is grateful to receive the grant from CoBank and FreeState,” said Abigail Stuart, operations manager.  “Our heart is that any youth has the opportunity to be mentored at Doxazo Camp, and the grant helps us achieve that goal by covering the expenses for youth who cannot afford camp.”

“We are genuinely humbled by the generosity of the employees at FreeState,” Stuart added.  “They are now a part of making the life-changing experience of camp accessible to any youth regardless of socioeconomic status, and we are deeply appreciative of their support.” 

Click here for more information about the CoBank Sharing Success program.